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Why sonic booms from the most powerful rocket ever built have some scientists worried

The article discusses concerns among scientists regarding the sonic booms produced by SpaceX's Starship, the most powerful rocket ever built. As Starship aims for orbital flights and beyond, its sonic booms could pose significant issues. These booms, caused by shockwaves from the rocket breaking the sound barrier, are not only loud but can also cause physical damage to structures and potentially harm wildlife. The noise levels could exceed 100 decibels, which is comparable to a jet taking off or a rock concert, potentially affecting large areas around launch and landing sites. Scientists are worried about the environmental impact, including disturbance to marine life and birds, and the structural integrity of buildings in the vicinity. There's also concern about the frequency of these launches increasing, which could lead to cumulative effects on both human and ecological environments. Efforts are being made to mitigate these impacts through flight path planning and noise reduction technologies, but the scale of Starship's operations presents unique challenges.

Read the Full MSN Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/science/aeronautics/why-sonic-booms-from-the-most-powerful-rocket-ever-built-have-some-scientists-worried/ar-AA1wqVCM ]